One out of five women suffer from severe depression, a new report by the National Library of Medicine has revealed, highlighting the need for improved mental health awareness in this group.
Postpartum depression is a common complication related to childbearing and has increasingly been identified as a major public health problem that needs to be taken seriously.
Dr Sauda Farooqui, who was involved in the study, stated that postpartum depression can last anywhere between a few hours to two weeks.
The condition is characterised by mood swings, restlessness, anxiety, and loneliness and usually there is not much alarm in this case because these symptoms fade away with time.
Subsequent deliveries
Unlike baby blues, which likely happens after the first childbirth, postpartum depression can happen not just to the first baby but can be triggered after subsequent deliveries.
“Sadness, anxiety, irritability, sleeping disorders, and general fatigue are much stronger than the baby blues that limit a mother from performing the simple task of changing the baby’s diapers,” Dr Farooqui said.
The research by the National Library of Medicine conducted in 2018 but published this year, found that out of 171 women respondents who were followed up for between six and ten weeks, 18.7 per cent were found to have severe postpartum depression.
Farooqui said untreated maternal depression has multiple potential negative effects on maternal-infant attachment and child development.
“Screening for depression in the perinatal period is feasible in multiple primary care or obstetric settings, and can help identify depressed mothers earlier,” she stated.
The study by the National Library of Medicine also established that partner conflict increased postpartum depression seven-fold.
However, she said that it’s essential for families and society at large to create awareness about PPD and help the victims out of it, and support the survivors to recover fully.
“It is essential for partners to keenly listen and communicate regularly with one another during pregnancy and after birth.
This way, any signs of PPD will be easily noticed and addressed at the onset,” Farooqui added.
